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Also known as a last will and testament, a will is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes upon their death. A will serves as a fundamental component of estate planning and must meet certain requirements to be legally valid. Common aspects of a will include:
Having a will allows you to clearly list out how you would like your estate managed in the event of your death and can provide peace of mind to you and your loved ones. Aside from determining distribution of assets and guardianship of minor children, a will can help avoid family disputes and protect unmarried partners or non-traditional families. Creating a will offers you control and simplifies the process for your loved ones during a difficult time.
Wills are one of the most iconic documents associated with lawyers. An estate planning attorney can assist you in working through the process, ensuring your will is legally valid and reflects your wishes. Common considerations when creating a will can include:
Yes. As your life changes, so do potential beneficiaries and heirs. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your will up to date. If you do not keep your last will and testament current, it may not reflect your wishes. If the change is minor, your will can be updated with an amendment, also known as a codicil. However, if you have significant changes, the best approach may be revoking your will and creating a new one.
Getting help with creating and managing a will is an important step to take in your life. If you want your property to go to specific people after you die, or to name who will be responsible for making sure your wishes are carried out, or to avoid legal issues, a wills lawyer can help.
Use FindLaw to find a wills lawyer near you to prepare a will tailored to your circumstances. You can also find a wills lawyer to help you with living wills -- also known as an advance directive or medical power of attorney -- last will and testaments, and joint or reciprocal wills.
A will – often called a last will and testament – provides for how your property and final affairs will be dealt with after you die. The last will and testament is the most common legal document used in estate planning, to provide for what you want to do with your assets after you pass away. It can be difficult to address estate planning. Talking to your family about end-of-life decisions is a sensitive matter. An estate planning lawyer can provide options and legal advice about wills, trusts, and how to handle your estate.
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When you are ready to prepare a will, it can be helpful to have all the necessary information and documentation. Bringing all the information with you to your meeting with a wills attorney can help the process go more smoothly. Things to bring to an attorney for a will include:
It may be of some comfort to know that you can always make changes to your will. You may have a significant life event that changes your estate planning wishes, including a new marriage, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one. Talk to your estate planning attorney about how you can make changes to your will.
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